Known as “the Poet Laureate of Radio,” Norman Corwin is perhaps the greatest writer-producer-director the Golden Age of Radio ever produced. Beginning his career as a newspaperman, Corwin brought a unique perspective to his writing. His plays ran the gamut from light and whimsical to dark and introspective. He had the eye of a reporter and the soul of a poet. He was, quite simply, the master of the art form. His 1945 magus opus, “On A Note of Triumph,” has been called the single greatest radio broadcast of the twentieth century.

In Norman Corwin’s 2004 interview with filmmaker Michael James Kacey, the two-time Peabody Medal winner discusses his exceptional radio career, the highs and lows behind the scenes and his take on present-day radio and television. The 76-minute DVD is available for purchase, rent or download from Amazon. Recently eBook and Audiobook versions have been added. The Poet Laureate of Radio Channel on YouTube

NOTE: As of January 1, 2017, the DVD is no longer being produced.

Contact us via email if you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining copies.

QUOTES:

“Corwin’s career is the stuff of legend, and to have this chronicle in his own words is priceless.”

Earlier this year a half-hour short subject, “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” won an Academy Award. As good as it is, it only scratches the surface of this extraordinary man’s life and career, which continues to this day, past Norman’s 96 the birthday. Two years ago, filmmaker Michael James Kacey sat down with a video camera to review Corwin’s work in the medium that made his reputation and gave him his greatest opportunities: radio. Now Kacey has made his interview available on DVD.

This is a no-frills enterprise; it consists of Norman sitting in front of a backdrop and talking about his experiences. Believe me, that’s enough. Corwin’s career is the stuff of legend, and to have this chronicle in his own words is priceless.

Norman Corwin is one of my heroes, personally and professionally. If you don’t know his work, I urge you to seek out recordings of his radio plays, especially the celebrated “On a Note of Triumph.” Or perhaps you should begin your journey with this interview; Corwin’s eloquence and passion may well inspire you.

I love to learn new things, but sometimes I am embarrassed at the things I didn’t know. For example, I’ve been the radio business over 30 years, and I have a minor in theater, but I had never heard of Norman Corwin until this new DVD. And that’s why I owe Michael James Kacey a debt of gratitude.

It turns out that Norman Corwin is one of the greatest writer-producer-directors the golden Age of Radio ever produced. He wrote some of the most amazing radio plays ever heard, such as “The plot to Steal Christmas”, “They Fly Through the Air”, and “On a Note of Triumph”, written for V-E Day. His series include “Norman Corwin’s Words Without Music”, “Columbia Presents Corwin” and “One World Flight”. These are available from several online sources. I’ve ordered a CD of his most well-known radio plays, and I’m going to play some of them for the Radio & TV History class I teach at Troy University, because people need to remember them.

Norman Corwin started his radio career as a reader of poetry, but his talent and passion carried him to produce important network programs, which featured his original plays and adaptations of stage plays that premiered while he was on the radio.

Two things Mr. Corwin said that stayed with me after I watched this DVD with my class. “An artist has a responsibility to make the world a better place”.

‘There’s really one language in the world, ‘responsible conscience’, and there is a worldwide instinct for freedom.”

Corwin speaks of being granted “visitation rights to the pulpit” when referring to his opportunity to be on the radio, and reflected on the influence of radio in the 1930s and 1940s. Two politicians became world leaders who affected tens of millions: FDR and Adolph Hitler. Radio is a powerful tool, which can be used for truth or for propaganda, for good and for evil. This, we cannot and must not forget.